The already-crowded GOP primary race to replace retiring Senator Saxby Chambliss is getting even more crowded. An Atlanta lawyer says he’s in the running – if enough people pledge money to his campaign.

“I would say I’m a big tent Republican,” said patent attorney Art Gardner, a political newcomer.

Gardner calls himself a fiscal conservative and a social moderate.

“My ideas are not going to pass the litmus test of someone who is on the far right,” he said, noting that he is unopposed to gay marriage.

Gardner said he’s running in hopes of staving off a financial disaster in this country, offering himself up as a candidate willing to make tough decisions on issues like health care and entitlement programs.

But he’s not officially in the race yet. Gardner said he will jump in only if enough people pledge money to his campaign.

“My initial goal is $250,000,” Gardner declared.

Already, he said he has about 20-25 percent of his goal raised and foresees raising the rest “in short order.”